How to Create an Individual Development Plan for Soccer Players

Every ambitious soccer player needs more than just talent and hard work, they need a plan. In today’s data-driven game, the Individual Development Plan (IDP) has become the blueprint for maximizing a player’s potential. An IDP is a personalized, structured training roadmap that focuses on a player’s unique strengths and weaknesses . As David Copeland-Smith (founder of Beast Mode Soccer) says, “Every player is unique, and cookie-cutter training won’t get you where you want to go. The IDP shows you how to focus on YOUR strengths, tackle YOUR weaknesses, and take full control of YOUR game.” In this guide, I’ll walk you through what an IDP is, why it’s so important, and how to build a world-class IDP step by step. By the end, you’ll see why top players and coaches swear by individualized development plans as a game-changer in soccer training.

What Is an Individual Development Plan and Why Do You Need One?

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) in soccer is a customized growth plan for a player. It’s not just another training program, it’s a living document that outlines exactly how a player will improve over time. Think of it as a personal roadmap covering technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and mental aspects of the game, all tailored to the individual . Unlike one-size-fits-all team trainings, an IDP is player-centered: it places the player’s specific needs at the core of the development process .

Why have an IDP? First, it provides clarity and direction. Instead of just “training hard,” the player knows what to work on and why. This targeted focus builds confidence. Sports psychology research shows that when athletes set personal goals and see themselves achieving them, their confidence grows . By regularly evaluating progress (a key part of any IDP), players become more self-aware, more self-confident, and better at setting new goals for themselves . Second, an IDP creates accountability. The plan acts as a commitment, for both the player and the coach, to stay on course. It’s a written reminder of the promises you made to your future self. Many top academies and trainers emphasize this. For example, U.S. Soccer notes that great coaches help players “bridge performance gaps through reflection and Individual Development Plans” . The IDP turns abstract ambitions into concrete tasks, making everyone accountable for doing the work. Finally, an IDP gives the player a sense of ownership and control over their development. It’s their plan. They’re not just following the team’s agenda; they’re investing in their own improvement. This autonomy is psychologically empowering, it fosters a growth mindset and resilience. When a player can see a clear path forward, challenges become less intimidating and improvement becomes inevitable.

In short, an IDP is your personal game plan for success. It’s the answer to the key question: “What do I need to do to become the best player I can be?” Instead of leaving development to chance, an IDP makes it intentional. Every serious player, and every coach who is serious about their players’ growth, should embrace it.

The Science Behind IDPs: Evidence-Based Benefits

Designing training around an individual isn’t just a nice idea, it’s backed by sports science. Research consistently shows that individualized, targeted training yields better performance improvements than generic programs. For example, a 2011 study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research found that young soccer players who followed an individualized training program significantly increased their specific psychomotor performance (reaction time, decision accuracy) compared to those who didn’t . In other words, training plans tailored to the athlete led to measurable gains in skills that matter on the field.

We also know that skill acquisition in soccer is optimized by training that replicates game situations and meets a player’s specific needs. A study of elite youth academies by Roca & Ford (2020) highlighted that decision-making drills and scenario-based practices dramatically improve players’ tactical awareness and on-field decision-making . Rather than mindless, one-size-fits-all drills, the best development programs use small-sided games and targeted exercises to force players to make quick decisions, adapt, and learn when to execute skills, not just how . An IDP allows a coach to incorporate these evidence-based methods on an individual level, for instance, if a player needs better tactical awareness, their plan can include specific game-like drills to hone that skill.

Data also shows that tracking and adjusting training based on the individual leads to better outcomes. In sports science, there’s a concept of “non-responders”, athletes who don’t improve under a given training regime. Often, the issue is the program wasn’t right for that individual. A 2022 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise put a fixed training plan against an individualized, evolving plan. The result? The personalized plans had significantly higher rates of adaptation and far fewer non-responders . In practical terms, this means athletes improved more when their training was continually adjusted to their personal data (fitness levels, recovery, performance metrics) . This finding reinforces one of my core beliefs: an IDP must be data-driven and flexible. By monitoring performance and making iterative changes, the IDP ensures the player keeps progressing and doesn’t plateau.

Finally, let’s talk about the power of performance analysis and feedback in an IDP. Modern tools, from video analysis software to GPS trackers, give us a wealth of data on players. Used correctly, this data can pinpoint exactly where a player can improve. Studies of top academies show that regular performance reviews and video analysis sessions are integral to player development . Coaches and players who review game footage to analyze decision-making, positioning, and execution often see improvements in game intelligence and consistency . A good IDP formalizes this process: it builds in metrics to track (e.g. pass completion rate, sprint speed, shots on target percentage) and schedules periodic check-ins to review video and stats. This evidence-based cycle, plan, execute, measure, adjust, is at the heart of an effective IDP. It takes the guesswork out of development and replaces it with clarity and continuous improvement.

How to Build an IDP: Step-by-Step Framework

Creating a world-class Individual Development Plan may sound complex, but it boils down to a structured process. I’ve built IDPs for players ranging from youth prospects to World Cup champions, and the framework is always similar. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Assessment Phase, Analyze the Player in 360°

The first step is a comprehensive assessment of the player’s game. You can’t map out a journey without knowing the starting point. In this phase, we gather as much information as possible about the player’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall needs. This includes technical skills (dribbling, passing, shooting technique), tactical understanding (positioning, decision-making on the field), physical attributes (speed, endurance, strength), and psychological factors (confidence, mindset, coachability). It’s truly a 360° evaluation.

How do we do this assessment? Start with objective data whenever possible. For instance, you might look at game statistics (passing accuracy, duels won, chances created, etc.), conduct performance tests (40-yard dash time, vertical jump, Yo-Yo fitness test), and use video analysis. At the same time, get subjective input, talk to the player about where they feel strong or struggling, and get coach/teammate observations. Combining hard data with personal insight gives a holistic picture. When I helped implement IDPs for an entire squad at Tigres Femenil, we ensured each player had a personalized plan “built from both our scouting data and the player’s own self-assessment” . This mixed method is critical: sometimes the numbers reveal things the player didn’t realize, and sometimes the player’s perspective highlights context behind the numbers.

In the assessment above, for example, the player’s shot map showed a heavy clustering of shots toward the center of the goal. The data revealed that while she was getting into great scoring positions, many of her finishes were too close to the goalkeeper, making for easy saves . Insights like this are gold for an IDP, they tell us exactly what to work on. In this case, the plan might prescribe drills to improve shot placement toward the low corners and away from the keeper. Similarly, you might discover a midfielder’s passing accuracy drops on their weak foot, or a defender wins less than 50% of aerial duels. The assessment phase is all about identifying these key points. Be honest and detailed in this phase, it sets the foundation for everything else. By the end of it, you should have a clear list of technical skills to sharpen, tactical areas to improve, physical qualities to develop, and any mental or lifestyle factors to address.

2. Goal Setting, Define Clear Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Once you know a player’s specific needs, the next step is to turn those into clear goals. Goal setting in an IDP happens on two levels: short-term goals (think 4-12 weeks) that target immediate improvement areas, and long-term goals (6-12 months or more) that align with the player’s big objectives (e.g. making a pro team, becoming a starter, recovering from an injury, etc.). Setting both types is important, the short-term goals provide actionable focus right now, while the long-term goals give the player a vision to strive toward.

A good goal is SMART, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Don’t set a vague goal like “improve shooting.” Instead, something like: “Increase weak-foot shooting accuracy from 50% to 70% in practice drills by the end of the fall season.” This way, everyone knows what success looks like. It’s also crucial that the player is involved in setting these goals. When players take part in goal-setting, they have more buy-in and motivation to achieve them . I always sit down with the player (and often their parents, if it’s a youth player) to agree on the goals. The goals should stretch the player, but also be realistic given the timeframe.

In elite environments, coaches often encourage players to set even loftier long-term goals that serve as a guiding star. For example, a young midfielder might set a long-term goal to “model my game after Andrés Iniesta, become a 90% pass-completion player with exceptional vision in 2 years.” Alongside that, we then craft the short-term goals that will build toward it (like improving first-touch and scanning, increasing successful through-ball attempts, etc.). Top academies use techniques like having players identify role models and specific attributes to emulate as part of their development plan . Research shows this approach yields excellent results: one study noted that when players created individualized plans outlining their current strengths and 2–3 priority areas for improvement, with detailed steps and timelines for each, their development became much more intentional and measurable . In practice, this means each goal in the IDP comes with a mini-plan: What exactly will we do to reach this goal? By when? How will we know we’ve succeeded?

Write down the goals and refer to them often. An IDP document will typically list the long-term goals at the top (for inspiration and direction) and then break down the short-term goals in detail. For each short-term goal, list 2-3 specific key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones. For instance: “Short-term Goal: Improve defensive positioning. KPIs: reduce average fouls per game from 3 to 1; increase interception count by 20% over 3 months.” Now the IDP has clear targets. This clarity is incredibly motivating, it’s like having signposts along the journey.

3. Training Structure, Design Targeted Drills and Sessions

With goals set, it’s time to get to work. The training structure is the meat of the IDP, the actual drills, exercises, and schedule the player will follow to hit their objectives. Essentially, we’re taking the goals and turning them into a weekly plan of action. Here, specificity and creativity are key. You want training sessions that directly address the areas of improvement identified, but you also want to keep the training engaging and well-rounded.

Start by mapping out the player’s typical training week. For youth or amateur players, this includes team practices and matches (which you may have limited control over), plus extra individual training sessions. For pros or offseason programs, you might have a blank slate to fill. Either way, allocate dedicated time for the priorities in the IDP. If a player’s IDP has 3 main focus areas (say, left-foot technique, 1v1 defending, and aerobic fitness), make sure each of those is worked on multiple times per week in some form.

When designing drills, tailor them to the player’s context and goals. Suppose a player’s goal is to improve weak-foot passing accuracy. Instead of generic passing drills, create a specific repetition drill that forces use of the weak foot under realistic pressure, e.g., a drill where the player must hit a series of target cones with left-foot passes at varying distances, or a small-sided game where using the weak foot is incentivized. If the goal is improving 1v1 defending, set up isolation drills where the player faces dribblers in scenarios mimicking their position (wingers closing down an attacker on the flank, for example). Always connect it back to real game situations. The principle of specificity in training says the most effective practice closely resembles the game demands.

It’s also important to incorporate evidence-based training methods into the IDP’s structure. Research suggests that situational training, like small-sided games with specific constraints, can rapidly build the tactical and decision-making skills a player needs . So, in an IDP, I often include at least one small-sided exercise each week that targets a player’s tactical growth area. For instance, if we want a winger to improve their decision-making after beating a defender, we might play a 3v3 + target game on a small pitch where the winger’s team only scores if the winger makes the assist or goal within 5 seconds of a 1v1 move. This kind of targeted game forces the quick decision-making we’re looking to instill.

Another cornerstone of training structure in the IDP is individual coaching sessions or mini-units. These are focused sessions outside of regular team practice, often one-on-one or in very small groups, zeroing in on the IDP objectives. In these sessions, the coach can give personalized feedback and fine-tune details that might be glossed over in team training. I’ve found these sessions to be where a lot of magic happens. Without the chaos of a full team practice, the player can really concentrate on technique and habits. In fact, many top development programs ensure players get regular one-on-one training specifically for their IDP goals . During these sessions, the coach acts more like a mentor, reviewing the player’s progress, offering corrections, and above all holding the player accountable to the standards set in the plan . It’s the perfect time to reinforce things like proper shooting mechanics, first-touch quality, or positional awareness through repetition and instant feedback.

A well-structured IDP will calendarize all this: which days are strength workouts, which days are skill sessions, when to do video review (more on that soon), and so on. It might look something like: Monday, team practice (focus on implementing weak-foot in scrimmage); Tuesday, individual technical session (30 mins finishing drills, 30 mins first-touch drills); Wednesday, rest or tactical video review; Thursday, team practice; Friday, conditioning and agility work; Saturday, match; Sunday, recovery and IDP review. Consistency is key, but so is adaptability. If the player improves rapidly in one area, the training plan should evolve to tackle the next challenge. Always remember, the IDP is a living document. Update the training activities as needed to keep pushing the player’s development forward.

4. Tracking Progress, Monitor, Measure, and Adjust

If you’re not measuring progress, you’re just guessing. Tracking progress is what makes an IDP truly dynamic and effective. It closes the feedback loop: you set goals, do the work, then check if that work is paying off. This step is about gathering feedback from training and games to see how the player is advancing relative to the IDP objectives, and then using that information to adjust the plan as needed.

There are several tools and methods to track a player’s development. One of the most powerful is performance data. Thanks to technology, even amateur players can track stats these days (through match analysis apps, wearable trackers, etc.). Depending on the goal, you might track things like number of shots on target per game, successful dribbles, pass completion percentage in different zones, distance covered, or high-intensity sprints per game. For physical goals, you’ll track metrics like weight lifted, sprint times, or conditioning test results over time. Whatever the goal is, find a way to quantify it. Then establish a baseline during the initial assessment, and periodically test or log the same metric under comparable conditions.

Another essential tool is video analysis. Video doesn’t lie; it shows you things you might not notice in the heat of competition. By reviewing game footage, a player can see if they are executing the things they worked on in training. Are those extra finishing drills leading to better shot placement in games? Let’s check the tape. Did the defender’s positioning improve on crosses? Roll the footage. Many elite clubs have players sit down regularly to watch clips of their performances with a coach, because it provides crystal-clear feedback on tactical and technical execution . Even at youth levels, using simple video (record a game on an iPad, for instance) and going through a few key moments with the player can be hugely insightful. The IDP should schedule these review sessions. For example, “Every Sunday evening, watch that weekend’s match and tag 5 clips where I successfully used my left foot and 5 where I could have done better.” This habit makes self-analysis routine.

In addition to stats and video, self-evaluation and coach feedback are pillars of tracking. I encourage players to keep a training journal. It can be as simple as jotting down after each session: what went well, what needs work, how they felt. Over time, patterns emerge (e.g., “When I’m fatigued, my first touch suffers” or “After extra sprint work, I feel quicker in games”). This subjective data is valuable for making adjustments. Regular check-ins are also important, I like to meet with the player (for youth, include parents) perhaps once a month to formally review the IDP. We’ll go through the metrics: are we on pace to hit our short-term goals? If yes, great, maybe we raise the bar or set new goals. If not, we figure out why and tweak the plan. Maybe the player needs more reps in a certain drill, or perhaps the goal was too ambitious and we recalibrate.

Remember, tracking isn’t about “passing or failing,” it’s about learning. An IDP is not a straight line to success; it’s a zig-zag that constantly corrects course. By tracking diligently, we can catch issues early. For instance, if data shows a midfielder’s pass accuracy hasn’t improved after 8 weeks of focused training, it’s a signal to change approach, perhaps try different drills or address a root cause like vision or decision speed. This adaptive approach is exactly what sets an IDP apart from generic training. And it’s supported by research: teams that frequently monitored progress and adjusted training saw better improvements than those who stuck rigidly to a preset plan .

Finally, celebrate the progress! When a player hits a milestone, acknowledge it. If their sprint time improved or they scored their first goal with their weak foot, that’s a big win on the development journey. This positive reinforcement keeps motivation high. It also reinforces the belief that the IDP is working, which in turn fuels more effort and commitment.

5. Psychological Aspects, Confidence, Resilience, and Accountability

The best IDPs develop not just the player’s skills, but also their mindset. Soccer is as much a mental game as a physical one, and a great individual development plan will intentionally cultivate the psychological traits needed for high performance: confidence, resilience, and accountability. Let’s break those down.

Confidence: As mentioned earlier, confidence grows when a player sees evidence of their improvement. A well-structured IDP provides constant mini-successes, each week the player can check off tasks accomplished, goals inching closer, new personal bests achieved. This tangible progress builds self-belief. Moreover, the process of an IDP (setting goals and working to achieve them) inherently teaches a player that they have control over their development. Instead of thinking “I’m bad at headers” they start thinking “I’m getting better at headers because I’m working on them.” That shift to a growth mindset is huge. If a slump or bad game happens, a confident player falls back on, “I know I’m improving overall, I trust my training.” We’ve seen players transform their on-field presence simply by following a plan that gave them confidence in their abilities. The structure of the IDP can also include visualization or mental rehearsal sessions, which are known to boost confidence under pressure. For example, if a player struggles with nerves in front of goal, part of their IDP might be practicing a pre-shot breathing routine and visualizing success, to make clutch moments in games feel routine.

Resilience: Development is never linear, there will be setbacks, injuries, plateaus, and failures along the way. Building mental resilience means preparing the player to handle those lows and come back stronger. An IDP does this in a few ways. First, by breaking big goals into small ones, it ensures that a setback in one area doesn’t derail everything. If a player has a terrible game and doesn’t complete many passes, they can look at their IDP and see, for instance, that their long-term goal of improving distribution is a work in progress with many training weeks ahead, one off day doesn’t negate the improvements already made. The IDP also teaches resilience by emphasizing process over outcomes. Since the focus is on training goals and effort (things the player can control) rather than just game stats or wins, players learn to bounce back by doubling down on the process. For instance, if an attacker’s confidence is shaken from a goal drought, reviewing the IDP might show that they are actually hitting their targets in practice (say, finishing 8/10 chances in training drills), a sign that the goals will eventually come in matches. I also like to build in some adversity training in the plan: challenge the player with occasionally training in less-than-ideal conditions or with stricter constraints than a game. It could be as simple as a drill that’s purposely very difficult to succeed at. Learning to cope with that frustration in training translates to better composure when things go wrong in real matches. Over time, the player internalizes a mentality of “trust the process, adjust and keep going”, the hallmark of resilience.

Accountability: An IDP only works if the player truly takes ownership of it. This is where accountability comes in. The player must understand that their development is ultimately up to them. The coach/trainer is a guide, but not a babysitter. I often have players sign their IDP or verbally commit to it in front of their coach/parents, a symbolic gesture that says “I’m accountable for doing this.” We set up routines so the player is accountable on a daily and weekly basis. For example, if one goal is extra conditioning, the IDP might require the player to complete two extra running sessions on their own time each week and log them. Some players share their GPS data or workout logs with me, knowing I’ll see it (or not see it!) keeps them accountable. Accountability is also reinforced in our regular check-ins; I’ll ask, Have you been following the plan? If not, what’s getting in the way? We troubleshoot any obstacles, but I make it clear that excuses won’t help them reach their dream, actions will. One technique is to incorporate a bit of self-policing: maybe the player rates their effort or adherence to the plan each week on a scale of 1-10. If they’re consistently falling short, it opens a honest conversation.

It’s worth noting that accountability isn’t about punishment or blame; it’s about empowerment. We want the player to feel in control of their journey. As the Beast Mode Soccer mantra goes, the IDP helps you “stay accountable and take full control of your progress” . When a player fully embraces that, you see a maturity and dedication that sets them apart. They show up early to practice to do their extra work, they don’t skip the boring stuff like stretching or recovery because it’s in their plan, and they start leading their own development. That attitude is contagious, it often elevates the player’s leadership within a team setting as well.

In summary, the psychological side of the IDP is the glue that holds everything together. A player who is confident, resilient in the face of setbacks, and accountable to their training is going to maximize the benefits of any development plan. As a coach or as a player building your own IDP, pay attention to this internal side of training. Encourage honest self-reflection, maintain a positive but realistic outlook, and commit to the plan. As you grow mentally stronger, you’ll find the skills and performance follow suit. In the end, the IDP isn’t just shaping a better player, it’s shaping a tougher, more focused competitor.

Real-World Applications: IDPs in Action

Theory is great, but what does an Individual Development Plan actually achieve in practice? Let’s look at some real-world examples and success stories to see how IDPs have been a game-changer for players and teams. Over the years, I’ve implemented IDPs with players at all levels, from youth standouts and college stars to professionals in the NWSL, Liga MX Femenil, and even World Cup winners. The results speak for themselves.

IDPs at the Professional Club Level: In 2017, as an individual development specialist with the NWSL’s Houston Dash, I worked to incorporate IDPs into the club’s culture. Instead of treating player development as solely a team responsibility, we gave each player a personal plan to complement team training. Fast forward to 2023, I had the opportunity to help Tigres UANL Femenil (one of Mexico’s top clubs) implement comprehensive IDPs for their squad. Together, we crafted a tailored plan for every player, blending objective scouting data with the player’s own input . Crucially, the coaching staff fully supported these individualized plans, we wove them into daily training schedules rather than making them a separate chore. At Tigres, this approach paid off: players were more engaged in training, knowing exactly what they were working on for their own improvement, and the team benefited from individuals upping their game. It’s no surprise that Tigres Femenil continued to dominate domestically, when every player is developing purposefully, the collective grows stronger too. These experiences taught me an important lesson: IDPs aren’t just for personal development; they can be a secret weapon for teams. By? placing the emphasis on each player’s growth, you create a roster full of sharper, more adaptable talent.

Case Study, Nya Baccelli (Beast Mode Soccer trainee): Nya Baccelli, a talented forward born in 2004, came to me with the goal of earning a professional contract. She had speed, skill, and a tireless work rate, a nightmare for defenders, but needed a plan to polish the rough edges and convince pro coaches that she was the real deal. We developed a detailed IDP for Nya’s 2025 season, and the transformation was incredible. Her IDP zeroed in on a few key development priorities. One was turning her elite speed into a true weapon, that meant working on timing her runs and separation touches so she could blow past defenders more effectively . Another focus was becoming more ruthless in front of goal, since the assessment showed her shot selection and finishing consistency could improve. We drilled placement, different finishing techniques under pressure, and making sure she could score with both power and finesse . We also emphasized mastering her decision-making in the final third, it wasn’t enough for her to beat defenders off the dribble; we wanted every beat to end in a quality shot or pass. So we worked on her awareness and choices after 1v1 moves . Additionally, her plan addressed adding a bit more physical strength for hold-up play and aerial duels, as we knew pro center-backs would try to muscle her out of games .

How did it pan out? By following her IDP, Nya sharpened her game dramatically over that season. For instance, earlier in the year she tended to rush shots under pressure, often hitting them straight at the keeper. The data we collected (and her shot charts) highlighted this, and her training plan introduced new finishing drills to fix it. Midway through the program, her shooting data showed a big improvement, more shots placed into the corners and higher conversion rates. In fact, one analysis of her shot placement showed that initially a high number of her shots were centrally placed, but after weeks of targeted finishing practice, she was regularly finding the low corners and side netting . Coaches who watched her noted how much calmer and more clinical she looked in front of goal. By the end of the year, Nya not only earned that pro contract, she walked into trials as a ready-made professional. Her speed was translating into real end product, and her comprehensive IDP had eliminated many of the doubts coaches might have had about a young player. Nya’s journey is a testament to how a data-driven, well-executed IDP can accelerate a player’s transition to the next level.

Case Study, Riley Mattingly Parker: Another great example is Riley Parker, an American striker I worked with who, after a stellar college career, was looking to make her mark in the pro game. In early 2023, Riley went on loan to Tigres Femenil in Mexico, a big step up, and we used an IDP to ensure she adapted and thrived. Riley’s assessment showed a few key areas to tackle. She was a high-energy forward with a knack for getting into scoring positions, but the data showed her finishing rate didn’t quite match the volume of chances she created. In other words, she could get herself chances all game, but could be more clinical converting them. Her IDP focused on improving shot selection and adding more variety to her finishing toolkit so that she wouldn’t be predictable to goalkeepers . We worked on everything from one-touch finishing to chips and placing shots into the corners. The other major aspect was decision-making after beating a defender. Riley has a great 1v1 dribble, she can get by defenders, but sometimes she’d hesitate on what to do next, giving the defense time to recover. So, we made it a priority that every time she beat a player, she immediately followed up with a decisive action (either a quick shot or a killer pass) without that extra hesitation . This meant lots of scenario training: beat a cone or defender, then instantly play a through ball or fire a shot on goal, training her mind to always think “end product, end product.” We also sprinkled in some work on her physicality, shielding the ball and holding off defenders, since stepping into the pro level, she’d face tougher, more physical backlines.

The results? During her stint with Tigres, Riley adapted quickly and started making an impact. In fact, she scored in her very first appearance for Tigres, coming off the bench to net a goal, a pretty direct payoff of her hard work on finishing (imagine the confidence boost from that!) Not long after, she secured a new contract back in the U.S., as clubs saw the improvements in her game. Her coaches noticed that she was more composed in the box and making smarter choices on the ball. I remember one coach telling me, “She doesn’t play like a rookie, she’s making veteran decisions out there,”referring to how she’d routinely beat a defender and immediately do something dangerous after, rather than freeze or overthink. That’s the IDP effect. By systematically working on those specific weaknesses, Riley leveled up aspects of her game that might have otherwise held her back at the pro level. She’s now regarded as one of the promising forwards to watch, and she continues to use the principles of her development plan to guide her training each off-season.

Other Successes: The IDP approach isn’t limited to these two. I’ve seen similar success with countless players. From youth national team members who needed to refine one aspect to break into the starting XI, to seasoned pros like Rachel Daly or Alex Morgan who, even at the top, use individualized training to stay sharp, the IDP methodology scales to anyone who is serious about improvement. In fact, the same IDP blueprint we’re discussing here is “the same blueprint used by Alex Morgan and Rachel Daly” in their training . That’s right, even World Cup champions focus on personal development areas and follow structured plans outside of team practices. The difference is often what separates the good from the great. Players who take charge of their own growth, with a plan in hand, consistently outperform those who just go through the motions.

From a coaching perspective, I’ve also watched how introducing IDPs can transform a club’s culture. When I first bring the concept to a team, sometimes players are a bit wary, it sounds like extra homework. But once they see results (a winger suddenly delivering better crosses because it was in his IDP and he worked at it, or a defender dramatically cutting down on mistakes after following her plan), the buy-in becomes universal. At Beast Mode Soccer, our whole philosophy revolves around this: Own Your Development. The IDP is the tool that empowers players to do exactly that.

Conclusion: Embrace IDPs, Own Your Development

In today’s competitive soccer environment, it’s no longer enough to show up to practice and hope you get better. The players and clubs that rise to the top are those who take a proactive, structured approach to development. The Individual Development Plan is the gold standard for that approach, a proven, evidence-backed framework to drive continuous improvement. Whether you’re a player hungry to reach that next level, a coach dedicated to maximizing your players’ potential, or a club aiming to build a culture of excellence, embracing IDPs is the next step to elevate your game.

An IDP brings clarity, purpose, and accountability to the development process. It forces you to ask (and answer) the tough questions: What exactly do I need to improve? How will I do it? How will I know if I’ve succeeded? By answering these, you remove the ceiling on what a player can achieve. We’ve seen how IDPs turn weaknesses into strengths, and strengths into game-changing weapons. We’ve seen how they boost confidence and resilience, allowing players to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of a season. And perhaps most importantly, we’ve seen how IDPs instill a sense of ownership, a mindset in players that their development is in their own hands. That mindset is incredibly powerful. When a player truly owns their development, they train harder and smarter. They become students of the game. They seek feedback and relish challenges. Those are the players who ultimately make it.

For coaches and clubs, implementing IDPs might require a shift in approach, but it’s one that pays dividends. It can start small, pick a few motivated players and craft individual plans for them, or set aside one day a week dedicated to individual development work. You’ll quickly notice the difference in engagement and progress. Over time, you can roll it out club-wide. Imagine every player in your club, from the U-12s to the first team, having their own development plan. It creates a clear pathway for each player and a common language of growth throughout the organization. Clubs that do this will have an edge in developing talent and, frankly, in winning games, because their players are constantly improving in the areas that matter most.

As we conclude this guide, my challenge to you is simple: Take action. Don’t just read about IDPs, put them into practice. If you’re a player, start drafting your plan. Identify two or three areas you want to get better at and write down a plan of attack for each. If you’re a coach, sit down with your players and set goals together, come up with those key drills, set the check-in dates. Begin the cycle of plan, train, measure, repeat. It might be outside your comfort zone at first, but that’s exactly where growth happens.

Lastly, remember that you’re not alone in this process. As someone who has dedicated my career to individual player development, I’m passionate about helping others implement these principles. If you’re a coach or player unsure where to start, or a club leader looking to build an IDP program across your organization, reach out. Whether it’s through Beast Mode Soccer’s resources or a conversation with me, we’re here to support your journey. In fact, we offer a free template IDP and guidance to get you started, so no excuses! Get in touch, get the plan, and get to work.

Elevating your game is a choice. By embracing an Individual Development Plan, you’re making the choice to train with purpose and direction. You’re setting yourself (or your players) on a path of continuous improvement. This is how good players become great, and how great players become legends. So start today, create your IDP and take control of your development. The results will speak for themselves on the pitch. Own your development, trust the process, and watch yourself reach new heights. Let’s get to work! ??